INTO THE WORLD OF WORK News for Families and Supporters

Transcription

1 NEW CULTIVATING DREAMS PROGRAM LAUNCHED C INTO THE WORLD OF WORK News for Families Supporters 401 Columbus Avenue, Valhalla, NY JOBS (5627) 45 Fair Street, Carmel, NY CareersforPeople@aol.com Connect share with us at: Number 37 Our 2013 job placements have increased 30% over last year! Fall 2013 Finding your place in the world can be difficult for anyone, but for adults with disabilities, it can be impossible to navigate alone. In order to help this underserved population find their niche, CAREERS launched Cultivating Dreams, a unique program that creates opportunities for disabled individuals to interact contribute to the local community. It provides opportunities for a meaningful, productive happy life for participants who have not been satisfied with traditional programs. Cultivating Dreams provides participants with a sense of independence self-reliance through diverse experiences. Tailored to their needs, interests potential, the program creates opportunities to interact contribute to the local community, with an emphasis on learning employment skills. With a home base in Carmel, program participants utilize community resources travel throughout the community to participate in activities that vary from food shopping to lscaping, with each activity treated as a teachable moment that can enhance an individual s daily life. Laurie Cameron brought the Cultivating Dreams concept to CAREERS Executive Director Tina Cornish-Lauria when exploring options available for her son, Luke, who graduated from Westchester Exceptional Children s School last June. Developed with CAREERS support resources, the program has become another stepping stone, which includes a focus on developing work skills for clients who would not normally qualify for supported work services. Cultivating Dreams is a concept born from the interests, talents passions of young adults, Laurie explains. With the proper support, participants can enjoy what we all want a job with meaning purpose as well as a social life. This program provides support within the realm of meaningful work, continued education, independent living skills, recreation above all interaction within the community. For those challenged to find their place in the world, Cultivating Dreams is the great equalizer. Energized by the promise of what the day will bring, I have never known Luke to be this happy." P Cultivating Dreams participants Luke, Jack Instructor Dave Duncan volunteering for the Putnam Humane Society.

2 Page 2 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION SPECIAL AWARDS Into the World of Work Published by CAREERS for People with Disabilities, Inc. Valhalla Office 401 Columbus Avenue Valhalla, NY (914) 741-JOBS (5627) Carmel Office 45 Fair Street Carmel, NY (845) CareersforPeople@aol.com Executive Director Tina Cornish-Lauria Board of Directors Marianne Brown, President Nancy Pearson, Vice-President Brian Singer, Treasurer Karen Brown, Secretary Laurie Cameron Ginny Fitzgerald Howard Forbes Stan Kulesa Susan Lauer Advisory Board Phil Adimari Charles Awalt Monte Carmel John Cunnane Mary Grace Ferone Steven M. Goodman Adam Hler Maggie Kendall Jack Mathews Frank Migliaccio Patricia Moore Mort Steinberg Robert Steinberger Irene Thompson Ann Tucker Karen E. Warren Contributing Editor Christine Chenevey Production Design Tina Cornish-Lauria CAREERS is a private non-profit organization that finds productive employment for individuals with disabilities by providing placement, on-the-job training ongoing support services. We are proud to honor the following clients colleagues who have earned special recognition for outsting support representation of our program. Nick Simon celebrated his 10 th year at Target in White Plains by receiving CAREERS highest honor. His Employment Specialist, Jen Retacco, presents him with the Employee of the Year Award for his outsting work ethic enthusiasm for his job. Supervisor of the Year Award - Cice Sciarillo has been a tremendous advocate for the clients that work at Carmel Cinema, goes beyond her responsibilities by troubleshooting issues making sure all employees are treated fairly. Two CAREERS clients who both work at the Cinema (James McDougal, left Greg Mancini, right) Cice all show off their awards. I m m a c u l a t e Heart of Mary Church in Scarsdale received an award for the enthusiastic support that Monsignor Ferry Joanne Torme have provided CAREERS client Frank DeSimone over the past 7 years. Frank his Employment Specialist Jen Retacco honor them with our Employer of the Year Award. Personal Achievement Awards All of our clients overcome obstacles to achieve great things. This year we highlighted the following achievements: Nicholas Scarnati has mastered his job at Big Lots in Cortlt his enthusiasm pleasant demeanor have made him a valued employee. His Employment Specialist, Mary Filipponi presents him with his Personal Achievement Award. Eileen Morra came to CAREERS seven years ago interested in a career change we found just the right job for her at Marshalls. This past year was difficult for Eileen, but she hasn t skipped a beat or missed a day on the job. For her dedication perseverance, Eileen s Employment Specialist, Rebecca Appleyard, presents Eileen with her award. Ellen Culhane has been at her job at the Gap in Mt. Kisco for 17 years, where she is known for her reliability, loyalty refusal to give up. She doesn t let her physical difficulties stop her from trying anything prides herself on working hard to remain strong. Her Employment Specialist, Serena Shea, proudly presents Ellen with her award. Continued on Page 6

3 Celebrating 26 years of CAREERS Success Page 3 Successful clients, gracious employers generous sponsors were all celebrated at CAREERS 26 th Anniversary Celebration, sponsored by PepsiCo Enable held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in White Plains. CAREERS relies on the generosity of our sponsors to make our Anniversary event special every year. we couldn t be here without them, began Tina Cornish-Lauria, CAREERS Executive Director, at the September 24 th event. CAREERS honored 214 clients celebrating employment anniversaries as well as the corporate supporters employers that assist us in providing job placement training. PepsiCo Enable has served as a Premier Sponsor of the event for the past four years hosted the event at the White Plains Crowne Plaza. The Stard in White Plains came on board in 2013 as a Premier Sponsor, thanks to the efforts of CAREERS Board member Stan Kulesa. Paul Sheridan, representing PepsiCo Enable, receives an Award of Appreciation from CAREERS client Ben R. Curry Automotive, Marianne Patrick Brown, ShopRite Supermarkets, Universal American also returned to the event as Contributing Sponsors. Tom Adimari, a CAREERS client celebrating nine years working for the Chappaqua School District, thanked CAREERS Board President Marianne Brown husb Patrick for their support as contributing sponsors. CAREERS Board member Stan Kulesa from The Stard accepts an Award of Appreciation from CAREERS client Shannon C. Westchester County Joins Putnam in Hosting Disability Mentoring Day Westchester Putnam County residents with disabilities had the opportunity to work in a field that interested them as CAREERS collaborated with the Westchester County Office for the Disabled ACCES-VR to bring National Disability Mentoring Day to our area on October 17 th. This nationwide event connects nearly 16,500 job seekers with employers each year. Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, pictured with County staff Michael Orth (back row left) Tanya Martinez (right) participating mentees, Jennifer Barry from YAI Nathaniel Klein from CAREERS, endorsed the event, which paired mentors from throughout Westchester County Departments with disabled individuals interested in learning what it takes to be successful on the job. Westchester participants were affiliated with The Institute of Applied Human Dynamics, Young Adult Institute, CAREERS, WARC ACCES-VR. Westchester County Departments participating included Public Safety, Emergency Services, Community Mental Health, the Office for Women, among others. Twenty-three Putnam residents received mentoring in county departments, with County Executive Mary Ellen Odell once again encouraging county staff to provide opportunities for disabled workers. Among those experiencing the workplace first-h was Carmel High student Andrew Wheelock, pictured left with Officer Martin of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office. Other Putnam mentees included PARC Putnam Family & Community Services clients.

4 Page 4 Congratulations to the following individuals their employers celebrating anniversaries in 2013, who we honored at our Annual Anniversary Celebration in September: One Year Anniversary Anne Marie Alongi, The Alcott School, Dobbs Ferry Peter Auerbach, ShopRite, Scarsdale Jennifer Auerhahn, C.A. Courtesy Demo Corp., Andover, PA Big Orange, Pawtucket, RI John Connolly, Westchester Institute for Human Development, Valhalla Daniel Doherty, Lake Isle Country Club, Eastchester Nwanyioma Ekpechan, Target, White Plains C.J. Funches, T.J. Maxx, Hartsdale Sarah Kim, Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry Jennifer Lipton, Outback Steakhouse, White Plains Natasha Malik, CVS, Hartsdale Christopher Marcal, Lake Isle Country Club, Eastchester James McDougal, Putnam County Movie Theater, Carmel Jennifer Messineo, The Learning Garden, Yorktown Heights Erik Olsen, Turco s Super Ranch, Yorktown Heights Benjamin Rodell, Target, White Plains Christopher Rodriguez, Curry Automotive, Peekskill Nicholas Scarnati, Big Lots, Cortlt Jonathan Small, ShopRite, Bedford Hills Jason Strilowich, Metro North Railroad (MTA), New York *Tracy Tacinelli, Retriever Payment Systems Inc., Valhalla Erica Withus, ShopRite, Thornwood Two Year Anniversary Isabel Bradley, Over the Rainbow Learning Center, Brewster Marc Cutri, Village Social, Mt. Kisco Judy Danner, Marshalls, Brewster Joe Dalena, Turco s Super Ranch, Yorktown Hts. Eric David, ShopRite, Thornwood Derek Deinhardt, Goodwill Industries, Wappinger Falls Harold Fajardo, Kohl s, Brewster Nicole Gabel, ShopRite, Croton-on-Hudson Anthony Gilmore, Milton Elementary School, Rye *Johnny Jiminez, Esposito Builders, Peekskill Jennifer Lipton, New York Sports Club, Dobbs Ferry Nary Lopuzzo, ShopRite, Croton on Hudson Amy Maiorano, Over the Rainbow Learning Center, Brewstr Joe Mazzuco, Gamestop, Brewster Danielle Nardi, ShopRite, Thornwood Kayla Noga, Edible Arrangements, Carmel Erik Olsen, Wash n Dry, Cortlt Manor Danielle Roveto, Over the Rainbow Learning Center, Brewstr Sra Samuels, Turco s Super Ranch, Yorktown Hts. William Seide, Stop & Shop, Mamaroneck *Carmine Stingone, ShopRite, Croton on Hudson Three Year Anniversary Robert Baldera, Stop & Shop, North White Plains *Anthony Castaldo, Target, Mt. Vernon Shannon Crimaudo, Barnes & Noble, White Plains Daniel Doherty, Stop & Shop, Eastchester *Vincent Giammarinaro, ShopRite, New Rochelle Monica Green, Stop & Shop, Port Chester *William Harmon, ShopRite, Scarsdale *Katie Havil, Marshalls, Brewster David Kokiadis, Stop & Shop, White Plains Pamela Quintero, Westcop/Putnam Headstart, Brewster *Ariel Rowl, Empowerment Center, Mt. Vernon Joe Sbarra, A & P, Brewster *Will Smith, New York Sports Club, Croton Jonathan Terminello, Stop & Shop, Port Chester Roxanne Williams, The Westchester News Four Year Anniversary Joe Cuatt, Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce, Peekskill *Matthew Findra, ShopRite, Thornwood John Fleming, New York Sports Club, Carmel *Anthony Gilmore, Rye High School, Rye *Charles Hunt, Stop & Shop, Dobbs Ferry *Andrew Jackson, Stop & Shop, Port Chester Clayon Lopez, Target, Mt. Kisco *Kathleen Manton, Best Friends, White Plains Raymond Orteig, Stop & Shop, Port Chester Mary Lou Pullicino, Stop & Shop, Port Chester James Sloat, ShopRite, Peekskill *Paolo Villon, Stop & Shop, Port Chester Michael Werner, ShopRite, Peekskill *Peter Zorovich, ShopRite, Thornwood Five Year Anniversary Robin Baldera, Stop & Shop, White Plains *Andrew Basista, T.G.I. Fridays, Tarrytown Barbara Bellantoni, Stop & Shop, Yonkers Vicky Byrd, ShopRite, Croton-on-Hudson Demetrius Darby, Stop & Shop, Yonkers Laurie Finger, CVS, Yorktown Thomas Gollogly, Advocates for the Disabled, Mt. Kisco Craig Havil, Walmart, Cortlt *Jeffrey Hernez, College of Mount St. Vincent, Riverdale *Thomas Kalbfus, Chappaqua Transportation Cassra Lanton, K-Mart, Yorktown *Jennifer LaSorsa, Briarcliff Manor School District Robert Miller, Putnam Ridge Rehab & Skilled Nursing Center, Brewster Cynthia Wanamaker, Stop & Shop, New Rochelle Six Year Anniversary Chris Chipps, Rite Aid Pharmacy, Carmel James Clarke, Putnam Hospital Center, Carmel Camille Crea, Food Emporium, Eastchester Mathew Delitta, Putnam Hospital Center, Carmel Joseph Dolan, Take Care Health Systems, Armonk Peter Earley, Goodwill Industries, Somers Jessica Ekback, Hannaford Supermarket, Carmel *Jason Emery, Photo File, Mt. Kisco Laurie Finger, CVS, Somers *Cord Glantz, Kilk Technology, Spring Valley Chris Gleason, Ossining Public Library, Ossining *Jeff Helman, Home Depot, Brewster Andrea Lenski, Goodwill Industries, Somers Kenneth Lyons, Photo File, Mt. Kisco Michael Magrone, Putnam Hospital Center, Carmel Betty Robinson, Goodwill Industries, Somers Angelo Tetro, Royal Bus Company, Somers *Paolo Villon, Take Care Health Systems, Armonk Jeff VonBargen, Putnam Hospital Center, Carmel Seven Year Anniversary *Taryn Altamura, Kendal-on-Hudson, Sleepy Hollow *Michael Chianca, Home Depot, Brewster *Samareh Dariani, Chase Bank, Harrison *Faith DeJulio, Comfort Keepers, Cortlt Manor Kenny Gonzalez, CVS, Ossining *Jacqueline James, Wal-Mart, White Plains

5 Page 5 Christine Kruska, CVS, White Plains Eileen Morra, Marshalls, Cortlt Joseph Morvillo, St. Patrick s Church, Yorktown Heights *Shakiri Pitt, Doral Arrowwood, Rye Brook James Resnik, Target, White Plains *Ariel Rowl, CVS, Scarsdale Katherine Schoengood, Stop & Shop, Tarrytown *Dorothy See, United Cerebral Palsy, Patterson *Tom Storms, Mark Auto, Peekskill Eight Year Anniversary *Cynthia Anderson, Pathmark, Mt. Vernon Vincent Canzone, Occupations, Inc., West Middletown *Faith DeJulio, Marshalls, Cortlt Frank DeSimone, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Scarsdale Noah Feld, Pathmark, Yonkers Sheree Ferguson, Stop & Shop, Yonkers James Gulmi, ShopRite, Carmel *Erika Hall, Pathmark, Mt. Vernon *Bethany Hart, Le Collage Salon, Mt. Kisco Katherine Schoengood, Stop & Shop, Tarrytown *Dorothy See, Hudson Valley Community Services, Brewster *Tom Storms, Mark Auto, Peekskill Rosalie Knapick, Stop & Shop, New Rochelle *Brian Major, VA Hudson Valley Health Care Svcs, Montrose *Antonio Marinelli, Crothall, Valhalla Jessica Melnick, A & P, Mahopac *Anthony Muia, Town of Harrison *Vicki Ong, Carmel School District *Martin Regan, Katonah-Lewisboro School District *Sheverlo Smith, River Bay Corporation, Bronx Margaret Toy, Ossining Public Library, Ossining Wendell Vlachos, Target, Mt. Kisco Kate Warren, Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester, Mt. Kisco Nine Year Anniversary Thomas Adimari, Aramark (Chappaqua School District) Gunther Buddenbaum, Mahopac Library, Mahopac Joann Gilleo, Home Depot, Cortlt *Walter Schwer, D'Agostino's, Rye Brook William Stavrides, Arms Acres, Carmel Michelle Vivenzio, Food Town, Cold Spring Timothy Wigfall, N. Westchester Hospital, Mt. Kisco Roxanne Williams, NYS Office of Professional Discipline, Port Chester Ten Year Anniversary Frank Bologna, Stop & Shop, Tarrytown Marc Cutri, Meetinghouse, Bedford Village Ed Kennedy, Stop & Shop, White Plains Barbara Morgan, Stop & Shop, Ossining Lisa Murphy, McDonald s, Ossining Cindi Palermo, Target, White Plains *Erica Rosario, King Street Nursing Home, Rye Brook *Walter Schwer, Kraft/Nabisco, Newburgh Nicky Simon, Target, White Plains *Karl Somers, Modell s, Pelham Michael Wright, Costco Wholesale, Yonkers Eleven Year Anniversary *Robert Aquilino, Dunwoodie Golf Course, Yonkers Kenny Austin, Carmel Cinema, Carmel Michael Danko, Home Goods, Somers Lyle Davidson, S & H Uniforms, White Plains *James Holdridge, Putnam County Dept. of Social Services Nary LoPuzzo, ShopRite, Croton Linda Lubic, Stop & Shop, Somers Greg Mancini, Carmel Cinema, Carmel Twelve Year Anniversary *Michael Catania, Food Emporium, Rye Brook *Hope Ciota, Somers School District, Somers Sheila Durkin, Over the Rainbow Learning Center, Brewster Fred Jenkins, Stop & Shop, Mamaroneck Peter Stanton, Universal American, Rye Brook *Clifford Thoesen, Stop & Shop, Dobbs Ferry Thirteen Year Anniversary Judy Cignarella, Old Navy/The Gap, Cortlt *Michael Hayes, Burke Rehabilitation Center, White Plains Kevin Nicholson, Costco Wholesale, Yonkers *Marcey Pietarinen, Balducci s, Scarsdale *Richard Pirro, PepsiCo, Purchase *Neil Scarpelli, White Plains Hospital Center, White Plains Fourteen Year Anniversary *Stephanie Girling, O Connor, McGuinness, Conte, Doyle & Oleson, White Plains John Hannon, Wal-Mart, Cortlt Michael Harley, Larchmont Public Library, Larchmont Christopher Hoch, Mrs. Green s Natural Market, Yorktown Fifteen Year Anniversary *Keith Gogola, Home Depot, Mohegan Lake *Joshua Judin, Leake & Watts, Yonkers Thomas McGowan, Curry Automotive, Peekskill *David Molnar, White Plains Bus Company Sixteen Year Anniversary Patricia Agnano, Old Navy/The Gap, Cortlt Robin Holloway, ShopRite, Bedford Hills Vincent Migliaccio, D Agostino s, Rye Brook Robin Scheer, Stop & Shop, Mamaroneck Seventeen Year Anniversary *Steven Carafa, Westchester County Finance, White Plains Ellen Culhane, Gap, Mt. Kisco James Marinelli, Sears, Yorktown Heights Marci Mehler, United Hebrew Geriatrics Center, New Rochelle Eighteen Year Anniversary Susan Amico, ShopRite, Bedford Hills Nineteen Year Anniversary Lisa Bernardo, A & P, Harrison John Lefurgy, A & P, Greenburgh Scott Meyerson, ShopRite, Bedford Hills Twenty Year Anniversary Thomas Culhane, A & P, Cortlt Bill Hawkins, A & P, Mt. Kisco *Scott Treco, Flaghouse Inc., Hasbrouck Heights, NJ Twenty-One Year Anniversary Christopher Meyer, Curry Automotive, Peekskill Jacqueline Newburg, Whitson s Food Service, Peekskill Twenty-Three Year Anniversary *Mary Karras, Stop & Shop, Ossining *Roman Melnychuk, Marriott, Dobbs Ferry Angelina Ucci, Marshalls, Hartsdale Twenty-Four Year Anniversary Michele Flores, Northern Westchester Hospital, Mt. Kisco Continued on Page 6

6 Page 6 Continued from Page 5 Warren Forbes, Westchester County Dept. of Corrections Twenty-Six Year Anniversary *Vincent Avesato, City of Rye, Dept. of Public Works Mark Nikitopoulos, Van Cortlt School, Croton Twenty-Seven Year Anniversary *Mary Fitzgerald, Westchester County Dept. of Social Services, White Plains Twenty-Nine Year Anniversary Patty Polacek, Crothall, Valhalla Thirty-Two Year Anniversary *Gertrude Sherwood, Montefiore Hospital, Bronx *Successfully Competitively Employed in the Community Continued from Page 2 Outsting Program Support Greg Lau, Case Manager Transition Coordinator for the City School District of New Rochelle, received this award for his support of Project Search advocacy for the best interests of students. Employment Specialist Jen Retacco thanks Greg for his valuable insights that help us place students in appropriate jobs. Barry Creighton of the A & P in Greenburgh was named Co-Worker of the Year for his longsting support of John Lefurgy (sting with two of his brothers), a CAREERS client A & P employee for 19 years. Because Barry was unable to attend the Anniversary Awards, John accepted on Barry s behalf. SPECIAL TRIBUTE DONATIONS Tom Adimari From Mr. Mrs. John Gregory Karen Brown From Doug Brown Robert J. Sanfilippo, D.C. Marianne Brown From Douglas Brown John Shelly Hogan Howard Forbes From Dorothy Kenneth Finger Carol N. Goldberg Andrea Torres Daniel Weiss Selma Lee Weiss Howard Adrienne Forbes From Miriam Klein Warren Forbes From Linda Bonavist Dr. Mrs. Stephen Gerstman Pam Harrison Arnold Jaeger Dr. Rosalind W. Rothman Mei Yee Lau-Samuel & Victor Samuel William Harmon From Valerie Harmon Luke Howlett From Joy Jacoby In Memory of Diane Lavelle From Edward Lavelle Susan Lauer From Mr. Mrs. Paul Lauer In Memory of Frank Phyllis Stanish From Katherine M. Stanish Scott Treco From Mel Cheryl Treco Jean Robert Treco, Sr. In Memory of Carol Ullman From Jack Ullman Kate Warren From Joe Dias Joann Gregg Popkin Ruth A. Sinnott It s simple to make a donation designate it as a gift for a memorial, anniversary, birthday, or any other occasion. Just go to our website make a secure donation using PayPal or mail in a donation.

7 Page 7 CAREERS 26th Anniversary Celebration County Execs to Congresspersons praised CAREERS at our annual celebration in September, with proclamations from Putnam County Executive Mary Ellen Odell Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino. Congresswoman Nita Lowey sent greetings to all in attendance, while State Assemblyman Tom Abinanti thanked congratulated CAREERS clients, supporters staff during the program. Putnam County Transportation Manager Vinny Tamagna, (photo far left), thanked CAREERS Board member Howard Forbes for his efforts, while State Assemblyman David Buchwald (photo top right), was on h to greet guests including CAREERS client Tom Gollogly his brother. State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, (pictured bottom right), enjoyed meeting CAREERS client Marci Mehler speaking with CAREERS Executive Director Tina Cornish-Lauria to learn more about our programs. Annual Anniversary Celebration Awards s of Appreciation Providing our services free of charge is the cornerstone of our commitment to our clients their families. We rely on corporate support to bridge the gap between government funding our program needs. This year, we honored the following organizations for their ongoing support of our growing programs: BJ s Charitable Foundation Costco Hitachi Metals America & Hitachi Foundation H.O.P.E. for Youth Foundation Hudson City Savings Bank TD Bank The United Way of Westchester Putnam Wells Fargo MANY THANKS TO ALL OUR CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION SUPPORTERS! CAREERS PROJECT Aleida Frederico, Senior VP Government Banking for TD Bank, accepts thanks from CAREERS Advisory Board Member Ann Tucker. ROJECT SEARCH CAREERS has been contracted by New Rochelle City School District to assist students in finding a place in their community. As part of a newly established Project Search Program with the high school, CAREERS Employment Specialists are creating jobs, placing students in internships, providing job coaching to both students school personnel, with the ultimate goal that students learn the skills gain experience needed so that they may find long-term, paying jobs in the future. Students have also been placed in internships at United Hebrew Geriatrics Center of New Rochelle, working in the recreation area, transportation kitchen. The Gaels Rice program at Iona College offers similar support to disabled students, who attend two college credit classes as well as a class with CAREERS Employment Specialist Damon Ragin, who teaches them life skills, time management, budgeting other skills needed to succeed in an internship arranged on campus. So far, students are excited about the new program; they enjoy keeping busy learning new things.

8 Page 8 Proud of our Partnership in United Way s Teach Me to Fish Work Skills for Life Initiative The United Way of Westchester Putnam has been a friend to CAREERS for many years we have counted on them for ongoing financial assistance crucial to our growth success. For the past three years, we have been the beneficiary of a grant as part of the United Way Initiative, Teach Me to Fish Work Skills for Life. This program helps families become financially stable by providing personalized counseling support to help eliminate barriers to employment, such as proper attire, interviewing skills, job skills, financial education including budgeting, banking getting out of debt. The goals of our Workforce Readiness, Placement Training program parallel this initiative, making CAREERS The United Way true partners as we provide this vital service to the community. United Way of Westchester Putnam s Susan Schefflein, (left), Senior VP of Community Impact Mary Ann Luna, VP for Community Alliance (right) receive an Award of Appreciation for their ongoing support from CAREERS Program Transition Coordinator Jennifer Retacco. Mary Ann Luna, center, thanks CAREERS clients Robin Robert Baldera for sharing their inspiring success stories at a recent United Way Board retreat. Your donations change many lives make a huge difference to the people we serve So far this year, with your support, we have: Placed over 115 individuals in new jobs Placed over 20 individuals in internships Maintained a job retention rate of 75% -- an all time agency high! Provided mentoring opportunities for 33 disabled individuals in Westchester Putnam Counties as we brought National Disability Mentoring Day to our area Carmel High Student Asiah M. was mentored by Pat Sheehy at the Putnam County Office for the Aging during Disability Mentoring Day. Corporate, Foundation individual donations help fill the gap between government funding our vital program costs. Please visit our website: for more information or make a tax-deductible donation by clicking the Donate button at the top of each page. In addition, please like us on Facebook at: CAREERS Employment Specialist Alicia Lehra with one of her clients, Vinnie Migliaccio a 16 year employee of D Agostino Market.